HOMA BAY: The youth in Homa Bay County are being urged to embrace agribusiness as a means to foster job creation and enhance food security in the region. Officials have highlighted the need for younger generations to participate more actively in agricultural activities, which are currently dominated by the elderly population. According to Kenya News Agency, Homa Bay Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga voiced his apprehension about the minimal involvement of youth in farming during the World Food Day celebration at Lwanda Nyamasare Village in Mbita Sub-county. Magwanga stressed that agriculture should not be left solely in the hands of the elderly, urging young people to change their perception of farming and recognize its benefits. Deputy Governor Magwanga, accompanied by County Executive Committee Members Martin Opere and Joash Aloo, called on farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices. They suggested that new technologies can help achieve higher quality yields, emphasizing the importance of irrigation, the use of certified seeds, and recommended fertilizers. This approach, they believe, can transform agribusiness into a viable employment avenue for the youth, encouraging them to become entrepreneurs and job creators instead of relying on conventional white-collar jobs. Magwanga also encouraged young graduates from colleges and universities to consider agriculture as a career path, highlighting that agribusiness can potentially increase incomes beyond what formal employment offers. He noted that agriculture is a profitable economic activity that has enabled many to become successful, providing both sustenance and financial returns. In his capacity as the County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Magwanga advised residents to diversify their crops beyond the traditional maize and beans. He urged farmers to consider cultivating rice, fruits, vegetables, and other crops to enhance food security and economic stability. The county government has taken steps to support local farmers by purchasing 180 metri c tonnes of sorghum and maize seeds for distribution. Meanwhile, Martin Opere called for peaceful coexistence between crop producers and livestock keepers, urging the latter to prevent animals from straying into cultivated fields. Dr. Joash Aloo emphasized the need for farmers in Mbita Sub-county to optimize land use for maximum agricultural output. He highlighted the potential benefits of efficient land utilization to boost crop production.